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- Tasks: Lead airport operations for UEFA EURO 2028, ensuring smooth travel experiences for millions.
- Company: Join UK & Ireland 2028 Limited, the team behind a historic sporting event.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime tournament and gain invaluable experience in major event delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in airport operations or large-scale transport systems is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the UK and Ireland, fostering collaboration and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Wembley Stadium, London (with travel across the UK & Ireland)
Contract: Fixed-term | ASAP – Summer 2028
About UK & Ireland 2028 Limited
UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is the local organising committee responsible for planning and delivering UEFA EURO 2028 across the UK & Ireland. Working on behalf of the five Football Associations, we collaborate closely with governments, host cities, stadiums and delivery partners to ensure the tournament is delivered safely, inclusively and to world-class standards.
About UEFA EURO 2028
UEFA EURO 2028 will be one of the largest sporting events ever hosted across the UK & Ireland. Millions of fans, teams, officials and guests will travel through our airports — making them critical gateways and shaping first and last impressions of the tournament.
The Role
We are seeking an Airport Operations Manager to support UK airports in delivering their commitments to UEFA EURO 2028, while protecting safe, efficient and resilient business-as-usual operations. In this role, you will act as the key link between airports and the UK & Ireland 2028 tournament team. You’ll help translate tournament requirements into practical, workable operational plans. Effectively supporting airports to prepare for peak demand, manage risk and deliver excellent passenger experiences. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a once-in-a-generation international tournament, gaining experience that is highly transferable across aviation, transport, infrastructure and major event delivery.
What you’ll be doing
- Play a central role in airport readiness for the tournament, including:
- Acting as the primary liaison between UK airports and UK & Ireland 2028 Limited during the planning phase.
- Leading engagement with aviation and transport stakeholders, including airports, NATS, ACL, EUROCONTROL, FBOs, Border Force and the Department for Transport.
- Developing a clear understanding of UEFA airport requirements and identifying any gaps against current airport plans.
- Supporting airports to close operational or service gaps through practical, mutually agreed solutions.
- Providing insight to airports on expected demand, risks and evolving tournament plans.
- Working closely with internal teams to define and maintain required service levels.
- Providing structured updates, risks and issues through established reporting processes.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who combines strong aviation or transport operations experience with the ability to work collaboratively across complex stakeholder environments.
Essential experience and skills:
- Substantial experience working within or alongside airport operations, aviation stakeholders or large-scale transport systems.
- Exposure to airport capacity management, disruption planning or peak-demand operations.
- Confidence engaging with technical and operational specialists.
- Strong judgement, prioritisation and decision-support skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly through structured updates and reporting.
- Experience supporting major events, large-scale programmes or nationally significant operations is advantageous.
Values & Behaviours
- Embrace the Opportunity
- Creates strategic space for innovation.
- Role models adaptability in response to uncertainty.
- Monitors performance and ensures continuous improvement.
- Aligns team activity to wider organisational goals.
- Thrive Together
- Influences cross-functional relationships positively.
- Champions diversity and inclusive leadership.
Why apply?
We offer a competitive salary (plus benefits of 25 days holiday, contributory pension, Private Medical Insurance etc), which coupled with the opportunity to be part of one of the biggest sporting events to ever take place across UK & Ireland we think makes for an exciting place to be!
Where is the role based?
Our head office is based at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, however, depending on your role, you may be required to travel across the UK and Ireland to our 9 Stadiums and 8 Host Cities, with some roles being based in those locations. Because we are an event delivery organisation, time together in person is essential for effective planning and collaboration. In 2026, most colleagues work at least three days a week from Wembley. In 2027, this will increase to 3–4 days a week as operations intensify. In 2028, during tournament delivery, full-time onsite working will be required.
Everyone is welcome
We’re hiring for excellence through inclusion. We’re building a skilled, values-led workforce that reflects the diversity of the UK and Ireland. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities — and we don’t expect everyone to have followed a traditional path to get here. We’re happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please email any requests to careers@uki2028.com. We’ll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best. All employees will be subject to a DBS check appropriate to the nature of the role and in line with our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive working environment.
Airport Operations Manager employer: UK & Ireland 2028 Limited
Contact Detail:
UK & Ireland 2028 Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Airport Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aviation and transport sectors, especially those involved in major events. Attend industry meet-ups or webinars to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, express your enthusiasm for UEFA EURO 2028 and how you can contribute to making it a success. Your excitement can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in airport operations and major event management. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the needs of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited and how you can help tackle challenges they might face.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Airport Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in airport operations and stakeholder engagement. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Airport Operations Manager!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous jobs; explain how your past roles have prepared you for this position. Share specific examples of how you've managed peak-demand operations or worked with aviation stakeholders.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use structured updates and clear language to demonstrate your communication skills, which are essential for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with UK & Ireland 2028 Limited!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK & Ireland 2028 Limited
✨Know Your Airports
Familiarise yourself with the key airports involved in UEFA EURO 2028. Understand their operations, challenges, and how they fit into the tournament's logistics. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and build relationships, as this role requires collaboration with multiple aviation and transport partners.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle peak demand or operational disruptions. Think through potential scenarios and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain service levels under pressure.
✨Align with Their Values
Research UK & Ireland 2028 Limited's values and think about how your experiences align with them. Be ready to discuss how you embrace innovation, adaptability, and inclusivity in your work, as these traits are crucial for success in this role.
